Undeniably, over time, there has been a growth in understanding the inclusion of active substances in skincare routines. However, when it comes to combining various active components such as glycolic acid and niacinamide serum, there is still some confusion. After all, niacinamide and glycolic acid are amongst the most powerful active compounds in the skincare industry. They are known for addressing skin issues and encouraging brighter and smoother skin complexion. Even though niacinamide and glycolic acid have a unique set of miraculous properties, can you use them together? Let’s find out!
Continue reading to know more about niacinamide and glycolic acid.
Benefits of Glycolic Acid
Here are some benefits of glycolic acid.
Prevents Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Glycolic acid can deeply enter your skin's epidermal layer and stimulate cellular activity because it is a very tiny molecule. This implies that it can minimize fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin, making it a great ingredient for anti-aging products.
Exfoliates the Skin: By dissolving the connections holding dead cells together, glycolic acid's greatest strength is its capacity to aid in the removal of the epidermis' outermost layer. In essence, it functions by "ungluing" skin cells from one another. Breaking this link sets off a series of events that increase cell turnover and renewal, leaving your skin feeling clean and radiant.
Manages Acne Breakouts: It works especially well for people who have breakouts and can combat a variety of skin irritation and acne problems. It helps to clear even the deepest clogs of sebum and dead skin cells, especially for those with cystic acne.
Suitable for All Skin Types: Glycolic treatments were originally reserved for people with oily or acne-prone skin, most likely because the word "acid" is in the name. However, experts recommend glycolic acid for every skin type due to an increasing amount of research.
Benefits of Niacinamide
Here are some benefits of niacinamide serum.
Calms Redness and Irritation: Niacinamide might be a helpful ingredient for your regimen if you have sensitive skin that is prone to redness. This vitamin B3 derivative can help soothe inflamed skin and significantly lessen facial redness when applied topically in skincare products.
Prevents Acne Breakouts: People who have oily skin understand how annoying it can be to have a shiny face or clogged pores that can cause breakouts. In certain situations, niacinamide might be helpful because it helps regulate oiliness.
Manages Enlarged Pores: Niacinamide serum can enhance the appearance of rough skin texture and significantly reduce the size of pores.
Can You Combine Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide Serum?
There are a number of active chemicals that work well for your skin when combined. However, niacinamide and glycolic acid cannot always be combined. This is due to the fact that combining these two substances may reduce the potency of these acids. While niacinamide has a much higher pH, roughly around 6.0, glycolic acid has a pH level between 3.0 and 4.0. When glycolic acid and niacinamide are combined, the latter raises the pH of the former, making it less acidic. When these two chemicals are used together, your skin may get red and itchy. However, this doesn’t mean that you can use niacinamide and glycolic acid together at all!
Here’s how you can combine the two ingredients and use them.
Make Use of Products that Include Niacinamide and Glycolic Acid
We advise using skincare products that already include niacinamide and glycolic acid rather than combining them separately and running the risk of damaging your skin. This is due to the fact that these products would be expertly manufactured and maintain a pH balance. Look for a good exfoliant with glycolic acid and niacinamide that cleanses and eliminates any impurities that have been trapped at the skin's surface. You can also use a serum that evens out your complexion and promotes cell regeneration by penetrating deeply into your skin. For glowing, spotless skin, use glycolic acid and niacinamide serum every day.
Use Them on Different Timings
Use these two components at two different times of the day. This will prevent you from waiting half an hour to pair these ingredients. For example, use a niacinamide serum during the day and a glycolic acid-enriched one right before bed.
Use Them on Alternative Days
You can use niacinamide and glycolic acid in your skincare routine on different days rather than the same day. For instance, you can use niacinamide serum on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and glycolic acid on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This will enable both of these chemicals to work on your skin without irritating it.